Thinking of living in the Philippines as a digital nomad? Here are the best long-term visa options for digital nomads who want to live and work in paradise.

Can you live in the Philippines long-term as a Digital Nomad? Absolutely. Imagine your office being a white-sand beach, your lunch breaks spent snorkeling in turquoise water, and your co-workers being some of the friendliest people on earth. Sounds like a dream, right? For thousands of remote workers, content creators and digital nomads, this dream is becoming a reality by living in the Philippines as a digital nomad.

The Philippines with an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands is fast transforming from a simple tropical escape into one of the best places for digital nomads in Asia. In 2025, the country is finding its rhythm as a paradise for people who want to work remotely in the Philippines while enjoying a low cost of living and world-class hospitality.

What makes this island nation stand out from other digital nomad hotspots? It’s the unbeatable mix of affordable lifestyle, reliable internet in major cities, English-speaking locals, and a government increasingly supportive of Philippines remote work initiatives.

Whether you’re planning a short tropical stay or wondering how to stay in the Philippines long term, there are several visa options for foreigners. Let's explore the best long-term visas for the Philippines, and plenty reasons why the country is ready to welcome Digital Nomads!

Visas for Digital Nomads who want to stay longer in the Philippines

To make sure your journey to paradise is smooth, it's essential to get your entry documents in order before you arrive. While the Philippines hasn't fully rolled out a specific "digital nomad visa" yet, the existing long-stay visa options are already attractive.

Temporary Visitor Visa (9A)

This is the standard tourist/visitor visa for stays longer than the usual visa-free period. It can be extended inside the Philippines via the Bureau of Immigration. Example: One consulate notes it issues multi-entry visitor visas valid for 6 months or 1 year, but each stay under that visa is still limited (e.g., you may have to leave every 59 days) so it doesn’t necessarily mean continuous 12 months inside without any exit.

So as a digital nomad you could enter on a visitor visa and then apply for extensions, but you must check conditions (no local employment permitted).

Long-Stay Visitor / Extension Programs

The Philippines has a program called the Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) for non-visa required nationals, which allows longer stays (up to 36 months for some) when extended properly. This could be attractive if you plan ~12 months.

Investment / Retirement / Permanent Visas

If you plan a longer term stay or want more stability, there are programs like the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) for retirees, or the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV). These are less relevant if you just want a ~12-month stay and you’re not retiring or investing a certain amount.

The Cost-of-Living Advantage: Live Like Royalty

One of the biggest struggles for a digital nomad is balancing adventure with expenses. The Philippines offers a wonderful solution. Compared to major cities in North America or Europe, your money goes much further here.

For example, a high-quality, fully furnished apartment in a major city like Cebu or Davao costs a fraction of what you'd pay in Lisbon or Berlin. Your daily food budget can be kept low by enjoying delicious, fresh local markets and street food, though you’ll also find plenty of international restaurants.

Transportation is also very cheap, thanks to the colorful jeepneys and affordable ride-sharing apps. This low cost of living allows you to save money or simply spend more on the experiences that brought you here in the first place, like exploring hidden waterfalls or diving in world-class coral reefs.

Connectivity & Co-Working: Getting Work Done

No matter how beautiful the view, a digital nomad still needs reliable internet. For a long time, this was the biggest challenge in the Philippines, but the country has made huge strides, especially in the major urban hubs. In 2025, Manila and Cebu City will boast fiber-optic internet speeds that rival many Western capitals.

The growth of the IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors has laid a strong foundation for excellent connectivity, which now benefits everyone. Additionally, the co-working scene is exploding.

Modern, stylish co-working spaces with reliable generators (a must during power outages) are everywhere, offering fast Wi-Fi and networking opportunities with both local entrepreneurs and fellow international remote workers. Look beyond Manila to secondary cities like Iloilo and Clark, which are quickly developing their own robust digital infrastructures.

A Warm Welcome: Language and Culture

One of the easiest parts of moving your remote office to the Philippines is the language. The nation is one of the world's largest English-speaking countries, making daily life, ordering food, and handling business incredibly easy. This eliminates the major headache of a language barrier that nomads often face in other parts of Asia or South America.

But it’s the famous Filipino hospitality that truly sets the country apart. Filipinos are known for being warm, welcoming, and genuinely curious about international visitors. Integrating into local life is often simple, as locals are eager to share their culture, from their food to their countless local festivals. You won't feel like a tourist for long; you’ll feel like a guest.

The Call of the Islands: Nature’s Perfect Break

When it's time to unplug, the Philippines offers an almost endless menu of weekend getaways. Do you want to surf? Head to Siargao. Are you dreaming of diving with whale sharks? Cebu is your destination. Want to explore towering limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons? Palawan is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful islands on earth.

This easy access to incredible nature is perhaps the Philippines' most powerful draw. You can spend your week in a co-working space in a busy city and be on a remote, tranquil island by Friday afternoon. This contrast between the urban hustle and the serene tropical escape is the ultimate perk for the modern remote worker seeking balance.

The Philippine archipelago is no longer a hidden gem - it's actively being polished. With improving infrastructure, low living costs, and a culture that welcomes you with open arms, the opportunity for a fulfilling and productive remote life is here. Stop staring at a postcard and start planning your flight.

Travel Tips Philippines

Are you ready to fly to the Philippines? Here some quick booking links and resources that I use myself for travel planning. These websites will help you to get started with your Philippines itinerary!

Cheap Flights to the Philippines

Skyscanner is my favorite search engine for finding cheap flights, I always start my flight search here! I've tried plenty other flight websites, but Skyscanner has the lowest rates, almost every time!

Transport within the Philippines

Bus, boat, and trains: 12Go is one of the most reliable websites in Southeast Asia when it comes to booking buses, ferries and railway. Get an instant seat confirmation and start your overland travel worry-free.

Taxis: Grab is my go-to app to call a cab. No more hailing taxis down the road.

Find a place to stay in the Philippines

Hostels, hotels and resorts: Agoda is excellent if you're looking for hotels from budget to luxury! It's one of the largest hotel booking websites in the world. Plenty of options to book now and pay later, or even pay at the hotel. Risk-free booking, many with free cancellation. My other go to is Booking.com.

Homestays and Housesits: For a more authentic and local experience I recommend Homestay.com, a website where you can find places to stay with locals for such a great price. Personally, I'm obsessed with Trusted Housesitters, where you get to stay completely for free in exchange for pet care. Find out more in my article on How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation.

Fun Tours and Activities in the Philippines

Get your Guide has plenty of fun activities in the Philippines, such as island hopping, hiking tours and city sightseeing trips. There is plenty of choices to keep yourself entertained!

Klook is similar than the one above, but offers additional options such as airport transfers, SIM cards, and food & dining experiences. It' a great way to meet other travelers while exploring a new place!

eSIM - Stay connected with Internet

Get an eSIM before you go and have Internet available from the second you arrive! I highly recommend Roamless or JetPac - they're both highly ranked, inexpensive and reliable.

Travel Insurance

Never go adventuring without travel insurance! I did all the research so you don't have to. Here's my blog post about the best travel and health insurance options for Digital Nomads.

Do I need a Visa for the Philippines?

Most likely you don't need a visa. Travelers from 157 countries are allowed to enter the Philippines visa-free, for a period between from 14 to 59 days. You can check on iVisa.com whether you need a visa and how long you are permitted to stay.

How to Stay in the Philippines Long-Term: Best Visas for Digital Nomads in 2025